Method of scanning codes and processing data with handheld scanning jacket

ABSTRACT

A method of reading codes with a reader mounted at least partially within a jacket and communicating the read codes to a handheld device also mounted at least partially within the jacket. The codes may identify a medicine, identify a patient, run an inventory, run a patient safety application, or other process control application located on the handheld device. The jacket includes an opening configured to align and engage with a display surface of the handheld device to simultaneously display being read. The jacket is portable and small and light enough to be carried by a user while working in a healthcare facility.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/433,696, filed Mar. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,687,351, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/416,709,filed on Mar. 26, 2012, entitled JACKET FOR A HANDHELD DEVICE, and whichalso claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/470,305entitled SCANNING JACKET FOR A HANDHELD DEVICE, filed on Mar. 31, 2011,the entire contents of each of these prior applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

This application generally relates to a jacket for a handheld device.More particularly, this application relates to a jacket including anoptical scanner positioned to allow a user to view a display on thehandheld device while performing a task, for example, while scanning anitem.

Description of the Related Technology

Some computing tasks or environments require a high degree of mobility,ease of operation, and low cost implementation due to a large number ofusers. One example of such a task is the administration anddocumentation of care provided to patients in a healthcare or hospitalenvironment. Computer resources in these environments are limited due toinadequate availability of access points such as input/output (I/O)stations or terminals. Although stationary terminals may have a largescreen, familiar full-featured keyboard, and mouse input devices, suchterminals can be inconvenient to use in certain environments due to lackof portability, and/or availability due to cost and space constraints.Notebook computers with wireless communication capabilities can increasethe convenience of computer terminals while maintaining relatively fastand available computing power. However, they are still somewhat large insize, bulky to transport, have limited battery life, require two handsto operate, are expensive, and/or can be damaged by exposure to liquidsand/or solid particles (for example, dust or other debris).

A plurality of small sized wireless computing devices have beendeveloped, such as wireless personal digital assistants (PDA's), for useby caregivers in administration and documentation of medical care. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,441 to Gombrich describes a handheldterminal that includes a wireless transmitter and a bar code scanner forentering medical data into a computer system. Unfortunately, ahealthcare professional needs to manually type much of the informationonto a small keyboard on the device. This is inconvenient andtime-consuming in a healthcare environment. Further, this device issusceptible to damage caused by exposure to liquids and/or solidparticles present in healthcare environments.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS

In one aspect, a jacket for a handheld device is disclosed. The jacketmay include, for example, a housing, a connecter member disposed atleast partially within the housing, and a scanner disposed at leastpartially within the housing. In some embodiments, the housing defines areceiving area for the handheld device and includes an openingconfigured to align with a display surface of the handheld device andengaging structure disposed about the opening. The engaging structuremay be configured to circumferentially engage at least a portion of thedisplay surface of the handheld device when the handheld device isdisposed within the receiving area. In some embodiments, the connectormember is configured to connect to the handheld device when the handhelddevice is disposed within the receiving area. In some embodiments, thescanner is configured to communicate with the handheld device or anapplication on the handheld device at least when the handheld device isconnected to the connector member.

In another aspect, a method of forming a handheld terminal includes, forexample, providing a handheld device having a display surface, providinga jacket including a housing which defines a receiving area, anddisposing the handheld device within the receiving area of the housing.In some embodiments, the housing includes an opening configured to alignwith the display surface of the handheld device and engaging structuredisposed circumferentially about the opening. In some embodiments, thejacket also includes a connector member and a scanner disposed at leastpartially within the housing.

In another aspect, a method of performing a task in a healthcareenvironment includes providing a handheld terminal including a jacketand a handheld device. In some embodiments, the jacket includes ahousing including a receiving area and at least one opening. In someembodiments, the jacket also includes a connector member disposed atleast partially within the housing and a scanner disposed at leastpartially within the housing. In some embodiments, the handheld deviceis disposed within the receiving area of the housing and includes adisplay surface that is aligned with the at least one opening of thehousing and that contacts the housing along a boundary of a portion ofthe display surface to seal a portion of the receiving area disposedbelow the display surface. In some embodiments, the method may alsoinclude scanning an object while holding the handheld terminal andviewing the display surface through the at least one opening.

In another aspect, a scanning jacket includes, for example, a firstportion adapted to house a handheld device, a second portion adapted tohouse a scanner, and a scanner housed at least partially within thesecond portion. In some embodiments, the first portion includes a windowor screen that can be aligned with a display portion of the handhelddevice. In some embodiments, the scanner can be disposed at an anglewith respect to the first side of the jacket. In some embodiments, thescanner can communicate with the handheld device (or with an applicationinstalled on the handheld device) to allow use of the handheld device asa scanner. In some embodiments, the jacket and its components can bewatertight and drop resistant, allowing use in harsh environments suchas healthcare settings.

In another aspect, a jacket for a handheld device includes, for example,a housing defining a receiving area for the handheld device, and aconnector member disposed at least partially within the housing.

In some embodiments, the housing includes an opening configured to alignwith a display surface of the handheld device, and an engaging structuredisposed about the opening, the engaging structure configured tocircumferentially engage a portion of the display surface of thehandheld device when the handheld device is disposed within thereceiving area. In some embodiments, the connector member is configuredto electrically connect to the handheld device when the handheld deviceis disposed within the receiving area.

In some embodiments, the jacket further includes a scanner disposed atleast partially within the housing, the scanner configured tocommunicate with the handheld device or an application on the handhelddevice at least when the handheld device is connected to the connectormember. In some embodiments, the housing and display surface seal aportion of the receiving area disposed below the display surface whenthe handheld device is connected to the connector member. In someembodiments, the display surface is physically accessible through theopening when the handheld device is connected to the connector member.In some embodiments, the engaging structure includes a gasket. In someembodiments, the jacket further includes a battery. In some embodiments,the battery is electrically connected to the scanner. In someembodiments, the battery is electrically connected to the handhelddevice at least when the handheld device is connected to the connectormember.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a first cover and a secondcover. In some embodiments, the second cover includes a firsttransparent window aligned with the scanner. In some embodiments, thefirst transparent window is disposed on a surface of the jacket oppositethe opening. In some embodiments, the first transparent window isdisposed at an angle with respect to a plane of the jacket. In someembodiments, the first transparent window is disposed at an anglebetween about 79° and 80.5° with respect to a plane of the jacket. Insome embodiments, the jacket further includes a scan button configuredto control the scanner. In some embodiments, the opening, firsttransparent window, and scan button are configured such that a user maysimultaneously perform the following tasks: hold the jacket with asingle hand; contact the scan button with a thumb of the single hand;view at least a portion of the display surface of the handheld devicethrough the opening; view an object to be scanned; and scan the objectto be scanned with the scanner. In some embodiments, the second coverincludes a second transparent window aligned with a camera of thehandheld device when the handheld device is connected to the connectormember.

In some embodiments, the opening is disposed in the first cover. In someembodiments, the first cover includes at least one transparent windowconfigured to align with a camera of the handheld device when thehandheld device is disposed within the receiving area. In someembodiments, the second cover includes a contact portion sized andshaped to contact the inner portion of a hand of a user. In someembodiments, the contact portion includes a material that is differentfrom a material of at least one other portion of the second cover. Insome embodiments, the jacket further includes a speaker configured tocommunicate with the handheld device at least when the handheld deviceis connected to the connector member. In some embodiments, the jacketfurther includes a microphone configured to communicate with thehandheld device at least when the handheld device is connected to theconnector member. In some embodiments, the jacket further includes avibrating element configured to communicate with the handheld device atleast when the handheld device is connected to the connector member. Insome embodiments, the housing includes one or more pass-through buttons.In some embodiments, the housing includes a polycarbonate material.

In another aspect, a jacket for a handheld device includes, for example,a housing defining a receiving area for the handheld device, the housingincluding an opening configured to align with a display surface of thehandheld device, a connector member disposed at least partially withinthe housing, the connector member configured to electrically connect tothe handheld device when the handheld device is disposed within thereceiving area, and a scanner disposed at least partially within thehousing, the scanner configured to communicate with the handheld deviceor an application on the handheld device when the handheld device isconnected to the connector member.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a first transparent windowdisposed on a surface of the jacket opposite the opening. In someembodiments, the first transparent window is aligned with the scanner atan angle between about 70° and 90° with respect to a plane of thejacket. In some embodiments, the first transparent window is alignedwith the scanner at an angle between about 75° and 85° with respect to aplane of the jacket. In some embodiments, the first transparent windowis aligned with the scanner at an angle between about 79° and 81° withrespect to a plane of the jacket.

In another aspect, a jacket for a handheld device is provided. Thejacket includes, for example, a housing formed of a polycarbonate,polycarbamate, polyurethane, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene materialthe housing defining a receiving area for the handheld device, thehousing including a first cover and a second cover, the first coverincluding an opening configured to align with a display surface of thehandheld device, and a gasket disposed about the opening and theconfigured to circumferentially engage a portion of the display surfaceof the handheld device when the handheld device is disposed within thereceiving area, and a connector member disposed at least partiallywithin the housing, the connector member configured to electricallyconnect to the handheld device when the handheld device is disposedwithin the receiving area. In some embodiments, the housing and displaysurface seal a portion of the receiving area disposed below the displaysurface when the handheld device is connected to the connector member.In some embodiments, the display surface is physically accessiblethrough the opening when the handheld device is connected to theconnector member.

In another aspect, a system is provided having a jacket electricallyconnected to and housing a handheld device. In some embodiments, thesystem is configured to facilitate workflow in a medical environment. Insome embodiments the medical environment is a hospital.

In another aspect, a method of forming a handheld terminal includes, forexample, providing a handheld device having a display surface, providinga jacket including a housing defining a receiving area for the handhelddevice, the housing having an opening configured to align with thedisplay surface of the handheld device, an engaging structure disposedcircumferentially about the opening, a connector member disposed atleast partially within the housing, and a scanner disposed at leastpartially within the housing, and disposing the handheld device withinthe receiving area of the housing.

In some embodiments, the method further includes circumferentiallyengaging at least a portion of the display surface of the handhelddevice with the engaging structure of the housing. In some embodiments,circumferentially engaging at least a portion of the display surface ofthe handheld device with the engaging structure includes sealing aportion of the receiving area disposed below the display surface. Insome embodiments, the method further includes connecting the handhelddevice to the connector member. In some embodiments, connecting thehandheld device to the connector member includes connecting the handhelddevice or an application on the handheld device with the scanner.

In another aspect, a method of performing a task in a healthcareenvironment includes, for example, providing a handheld terminal with ajacket including a housing having a receiving space and at least oneopening, a connector member disposed at least partially within thehousing, and a scanner disposed at least partially within the housing,and a handheld device disposed within the receiving space of thehousing, the handheld device including a display surface aligned withthe at least one opening of the housing and that contacts the housingalong a boundary of a portion of the display surface to seal a portionof the receiving area disposed below the display surface, and scanningan object while holding the handheld terminal and viewing the displaysurface through the at least one opening.

In some embodiments, the method further includes contacting the displaysurface through the at least one opening. In some embodiments, scanningthe object includes receiving an input from an input from a scanningbutton of the jacket. In some embodiments, the jacket is resistant toliquid cleaning agents. In some embodiments, scanning the object andviewing the display surface occur simultaneously.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features will now be described withreference to the drawings of various embodiments which are intended toillustrate but not to limit the invention. An apparatus, system ormethod according to some of the described embodiments can have severalaspects, no single one of which necessarily is solely responsible forthe desirable attributes of the apparatus, system or method. Afterconsidering this discussion, and particularly after reading the sectionentitled “Detailed Description of Certain Inventive Embodiments” onewill understand how illustrated features serve to explain certainprinciples of the present disclosure. The drawings contain the followingfigures:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a jacket 100 according to anembodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a plan view of the front side of the jacket 100.

FIG. 1C shows a plan view of the back side of the jacket 100.

FIGS. 1D and 1E show left and right side views, respectively, of thejacket 100.

FIGS. 1F and 1G show top and bottom end views, respectively, of thejacket 100.

FIG. 1H shows a cross-section of the jacket 100 taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1B.

FIG. 1I shows a cross-section of the jacket 100 taken along line B-B ofFIG. 1B.

FIG. 1J shows an exploded view of the jacket 100 and its variouscomponents.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a jacket 200 according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 2B shows a plan view of the front side of the jacket 200.

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the jacket 200.

FIG. 2D shows a right side view of the jacket 200.

FIG. 2E shows a plan view of the back side of the jacket 200.

FIGS. 2F and 2G show top and bottom end views, respectively, of thejacket 200.

FIG. 3A is a drawing showing the front of a jacket 300 according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a drawing showing the left side of the jacket 300.

FIG. 3C is a drawing showing the right side of the jacket 300.

FIG. 3D is a drawing showing the top end of the jacket 300.

FIG. 3E is a drawing showing the bottom end of the jacket 300.

FIG. 3F is a drawing showing the back side of the jacket 300.

FIG. 3G is a drawing showing the jacket 300 in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing plugs that can be used with the jacket 300.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are drawings illustrating steps in the installation of ahandheld electronic device in the jacket 300.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a jacket 600 according to anembodiment.

FIG. 6B shows a plan view of the front side of the jacket 600.

FIG. 6C shows a plan view of the back side of the jacket 600.

FIGS. 6D and 6E show left and right side views, respectively, of thejacket 600.

FIGS. 6F and 6G show top and bottom end views, respectively, of thejacket 600.

FIG. 6H shows a cross-section of the jacket 600 taken along line A-A ofFIG. 6B.

FIG. 6I shows a cross-section of the jacket 600 taken along line B-B ofFIG. 6B.

FIG. 6J shows an exploded view of the jacket 600 and its variouscomponents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, only certain exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described,simply by way of illustration. As those skilled in the art wouldrealize, the described embodiments may be modified in various differentways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regardedas illustrative in nature and not restrictive. In addition, when anelement is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directlyon the another element or be indirectly on the another element with oneor more intervening elements interposed therebetween. Also, when anelement is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it canbe directly connected to the another element or be indirectly connectedto the another element with one or more intervening elements interposedtherebetween. Hereinafter, like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

As noted above, the teachings herein can be applied in a multitude ofdifferent ways. For example, although the illustrated embodiments areconfigured for use with a non-cellular handheld device, for example, aniPod Touch®, embodiments can be configured for use with a variety ofother handheld electronic devices, including, but not limited to,cellular phones, smartphones (for example, an iPhone®), VoIP handsets,wireless devices, bluetooth devices, personal data assistants (PDAs),handheld or portable computers, netbooks, notebooks, smartbooks,tablets, and other portable electronic devices. Thus, the teachings arenot intended to be limited to the implementations depicted solely in thefigures, but instead have wide applicability as will be readily apparentto a person having ordinary skill in the art.

In embodiments of the disclosure, a jacket or housing structure isprovided for at least partially housing or encasing a handheldelectronic device. In this way, the jacket and the handheld electronicdevice can together form a handheld computing device and/or handheldterminal. The jacket may include a connector assembly configured toconnect to and communicate with the handheld electronic device. Thejacket also can optionally include a transparent screen configured toalign with a display on the handheld electronic device, at least whenthe device is connected to and housed within the jacket. In someembodiments, the jacket does not include a transparent screen and caninclude a sealing structure configured to circumscribe and engage atleast a portion of a screen, input surface, and/or display surface of ahoused handheld electronic device. In this way, the jacket and handhelddevice can engage one another to form a seal or barrier configured toprotect components of the jacket and/or handheld device disposed belowthe screen of the handheld device and within the jacket. For example, aseal formed between the jacket and the screen of the handheld device canprotect electronic components of the handheld device and jacket fromsolid particles and/or liquids that the resultant terminal or computingdevice may be exposed to. Further, the engagement between the jacket andhandheld device can provide an absorbing structure configured to absorbimpactful forces that may be imposed on the jacket and/or handhelddevice to prevent these impactful forces from harming or adverselyaffecting the functionality of the resultant terminal. In this way, theabsorbing structure can allow the jacket and handheld device to be usedregularly in a working environment, for example, a hospital.

In some embodiments, the jacket further includes an optical scanner anda scanning engine that communicates with the handheld device and/or anapplication on the handheld device at least when the device is connectedto the jacket. The scanner, or code reader, can be used to read codescorresponding to, for example, patient identification, itemidentification, documentation characters and phrases, commands, andinstructions. The codes are preferably machine readable codes, includingone and two dimensional optically readable codes such as bar codes, butcan include radio frequency identification (RF ID) devices or tags. Thecodes can be applied to objects, cards, or placards throughout ahealthcare environment. By such a configuration, embodiments disclosedherein can allow for the use of a handheld electronic device, such as aniPod Touch®, as an optical scanner (for example, a barcode scanner),adding to the capability of the handheld device. Embodiments can thus beused in various applications, including identification of medicines andpatients, in healthcare workflow applications and other process controlapplications.

In some embodiments disclosed herein, the jacket can include a battery,for example, a lithium polymer battery, configured to provide power tothe optical scanner, scanning engine, and/or handheld device. In someembodiments, the battery can supplement a battery provided with thehandheld device. In this way, the battery can be configured to allow thehandheld device and electronic components of the jacket to be used foran extended work shift, for example, for 12 or more continuous hours,without requiring a charge or a replacement battery.

In some embodiments, the jacket can be configured to beliquid-resistant, cleaning-agent resistant, and/or drop-resistant, so asto be usable in harsh environments such as, for example, a healthcaresetting. For example, the jacket can include one or more resilientmaterials, for example, a resilient polycarbonate material. Suchmaterials can be configured to absorb impactful forces present on thejacket without transferring such forces to internal electroniccomponents. Further, such materials can withstand regular exposure tohealthcare grade cleaning-agents without degrading. In this way, thejacket can be easily sanitized or cleaned. Additionally, as discussedbelow, the structures of the jacket and the handheld device can engageone another to create a seal to prevent the ingress of solid particlesand/or liquids into an inner area of the jacket. In some embodiments,the jacket can include a microphone and speaker that communicate (forexample, through the connector) with the handheld device. Thesestructures can allow for the use of the handheld device (including anon-cellular device such as an iPod Touch®) as a verbal and auralcommunication device, such as, for example, a voice over internetprotocol (VoIP) handset.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a jacket 100 according to anembodiment. The jacket 100 is designed to fit ergonomically and/orcomfortably in a single hand of a user. In some embodiments, tofacilitate an ergonomic and/or comfortable grip, the jacket 100 caninclude rounded contours and/or surfaces such that a user's hand is notexposed to sharp edges and/or corners. Further, the jacket 100 can beformed of a soft resilient material, for example, a polycarbonatematerial. In addition to providing the function of an ergonomic and/orcomfortable grip, the jacket 100 can be configured to be aestheticallypleasing to the eye, in some embodiments.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, the jacket 100 includes a front cover 102and a back cover (not visible in FIG. 1A) which form part of aprotective case 104. The jacket 100 includes a receiving area 106(indicated with dashed lines) configured to receive a handheld device,such as an iPod Touch®. The front cover 102 includes a transparentscreen 108 which is configured to align with a display on the handhelddevice. The transparent screen 108 can also be configured to allow auser to interact with a touchscreen or other input mechanism on thehandheld device. The front cover 102, the back cover, and/or the case104 can include one or more pass-through buttons, such as pass-throughbuttons 110 and 112, configured to align with input buttons on thedevice and allow a user to access the input buttons on the devicethrough the jacket 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the buttons 110are configured to align with volume control buttons on the handhelddevice and the button 112 is configured to align with a menu button onthe handheld device. The jacket 100 can also include a speaker 114.

FIG. 1B shows a plan view of the front side of the jacket 100, includingthe front cover 102, the case 104, and the transparent screen 108.Inside the jacket 100, a connector assembly 116 is provided which isconfigured to connect to an accessory port on the handheld device. Insome embodiments, the connector assembly 116 can include a 30 pinconnector suitable for use with an iPod Touch® and/or iPhone®. FIG. 1Cshows a plan view of the back side of the jacket 100, including the backcover 118 and the protective case 104. The back side of the jacket 100includes a transparent window 120, which can be aligned with a scanengine or scanner disposed inside the jacket 100. The scan engine can bea modular barcode scan engine such as a miniaturized, high performance650 nm laser-based, single-line decoded scan engine from SymbolTechnologies (model no. SE-923). The scan engine can be modular andself-contained, and can include a microcontroller configured to decode abarcode into a format compatible with and readable by the handhelddevice (or an application on the handheld device). In some embodiments,the scan engine is not configured to decode a barcode, and the terminalincludes additional decoding or conversion circuitry configured toconvert barcode data into an acceptable format for processing at slavemicrocontroller.

FIGS. 1D and 1E show left and right side views, respectively, of thejacket 100. As shown in FIG. 1E, the jacket 100 includes a scan button122. The scan button 122 can be configured to activate the scan enginedisposed inside the jacket 100. In some embodiments, the scan button 122can be sized and shaped so that a user may hold the jacket 100 in onehand and manipulate the scan button with a thumb. In this way, the scanbutton 122 can be comfortably depressed or contacted by a user whileviewing the screen 108 of the jacket 100. Although FIG. 1E illustratesthe scan button 122 on the right side of the jacket 100, those having atleast ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the scan button 122can be disposed on the left side of the jacket 100 so as to accommodateleft handed users.

FIGS. 1F and 1G show top and bottom end views, respectively, of thejacket 100. As shown in FIG. 1F, the jacket 100 includes a pass-throughbutton 124 which can be configured to align with an input button on thedevice and allow a user to access the input button on the device throughthe jacket 100. For example, the button 124 can be configured to alignwith a power button on the handheld device. As shown in FIG. 1G, thecase 104 can include one or more openings, such as opening 126,configured to align with a connector on the connector assembly 116.

FIG. 1H shows a cross-section of the jacket 100 taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1B, and illustrates certain portions of the jacket 100 in furtherdetail. For example, FIG. 1H shows an intermediate member 128 which canbe disposed between the front cover 102 and the back cover 118. Togetherwith the front cover 102 (and the transparent screen 108), theintermediate member 128 can define the receiving area 106 for thehandheld device. Together with the back cover 118, the intermediatemember 128 defines a receiving area 130 for a battery 132, as well as areceiving area 134 for a scan engine 136. The battery 132 can include alithium polymer battery configured to supply power to the scan engine136. As mentioned above, in some embodiments the battery 132 can supplypower to a handheld device as well. In this way, the battery 132 canpower the components of the jacket 100 and/or the handheld device for anextended period of time, for example, 12 hours or more.

In some applications, the jacket (or a component thereof) can includefirmware that communicates with the battery 132 and controls basicoperations of the jacket 100. The battery 132 can be an extendedbattery, for example allowing the scanning jacket 100 to be used by acaregiver for a full 12 hour shift. In some embodiments, when a handhelddevice is placed within the receiving area 106 and the connectorassembly 116 is connected to a charging connector (or other accessoryport) on the handheld device, the scan engine 136 can communicate withthe handheld device or with an application on the handheld device, suchas an inventory or patient-safety application or other process controlapplication on the handheld device.

The scan engine 136 can include a scan window 138, which may be disposedso as to face in a generally normal direction with respect to thegeneral plane of the jacket 100 (for example, the general plane oftransparent screen 108 through which the device display may be viewed).By such a configuration, a user may view the device display whilescanning an object, by holding the jacket 100 over the object. In someembodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1H, the scan window 138 can beconfigured to face at a slight angle from the normal direction (forexample, an angle of about 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 9.5°, 10°, 10.5°, 11°,12°, 13°, 14°, or 15° from the normal direction, or an angle greaterthan, less than, or between any of these two listed angles; or an angleof about 70°, 71°, 72°, 73°, 74°, 75°, 76°, 77°, 78°, 79°, 79.5°, 80°,80.5°, 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, or 90° from a planeof the jacket 100, or an angle greater than, less than, or between anyof these two listed angles). By such a configuration, a user may be ableto see the object being scanned (such as, for example, an object beingheld in the user's other hand) just beyond the top of the device whilethe user is also viewing the device display. In this position, a usercan also manipulate the scan button 122 with ease using a thumb. Inother embodiments, the scan window 138 can be disposed so as to face adirection generally parallel to the plane of the jacket 100 (forexample, straight ahead from the top end of the device), or at an angleto the top end of the device.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1H, the scan window 138 canbe recessed within the jacket, while in other embodiments, the scanwindow can protrude from a surface of the jacket. In some embodiments,the scan engine 136 (and/or the scan window 138) can be movable (forexample, rotatable) so as to allow a user to select or alter the angleand/or orientation of the scan window 138. FIG. 1I shows a cross-sectionof the jacket 100 taken along line B-B of FIG. 1B, and furtherillustrates the receiving area 106, the connector assembly 116, and theconfiguration of the front cover 102, the back cover 118, and theintermediate member 128.

FIG. 1J shows an exploded view of the jacket 100 and its variouscomponents, including the front cover 102, the back cover 118, theintermediate member 128, the scan engine 136, and the transparent window120. As can be seen in FIG. 1J, the jacket 100 can include a microphone148, which may form part of the connector assembly 116. The microphone148 and the speaker 114 can both be liquid-proof and/or liquidresistant, and can be configured to allow use of a non-cellular deviceas a VoIP handset in a healthcare setting.

As can also be seen in FIG. 1J, the intermediate member 128 and the backcover 118 can be fastened together using a plurality of fasteners, suchas screws 140, so as to enclose the scan engine 136 and the battery 132within the jacket 100. The front cover 102 can also be fastened togetherusing a plurality of fasteners, such as screws 142, to enclose thereceiving area 106 and the connector assembly 116. One or more gaskets144 can be provided around the edges of the seams between the frontcover 102, the intermediate member 128, and the back cover 118 andconfigured to provide a seal or boundary for the receiving area 106. Inthis way, the receiving area 106 can be sealed from liquids (water,blood, bodily fluids, medications, cleaning agents, etc.) and/or solidparticles (medical powders, dust, dirt, debris, etc.) that the jacket100 may be exposed to in use.

In some embodiments, the seal for the receiving area 106 can beconfigured to meet an ingress protection rating or internationalprotection rating required or preferred for a particular use. Forexample, the jacket 100 can be configured to provide an “IP54”protection rating for the receiving area 106. As used herein, an IP54protection rating refers to an enclosure that protects against theingress of dust and other small particles in a quantity that wouldinterfere with the satisfactory operation of the handheld device andthat also protects the handheld device from liquid that splashes againstthe jacket 100 from any direction. Of course, the jacket 100 can beconfigured to provide more, or less, protection against the intrusion ofsolid particles and liquids into the receiving area 106 to protect theinternal components (for example, the handheld device).

In some embodiments, the jacket 100 can include an actuator 146 disposedbetween the intermediate member 128 and the back cover 118, in alignmentwith the scan button 122 on the case 104, which is configured toactivate the scan engine 136. Once the handheld device is in place inthe receiving area 106 and connected to the connector assembly 116, withthe front cover 102 and back cover 118 fastened together and the gasket144 in place, the case 104 can be pulled around the covers 102, 118 toprovide drop resistance as well as a comfortable grip. In someembodiments, the jacket 100 can have a shape that is comfortable to gripand that is also pleasing to the eye. The exterior of the jacket 100(including, for example, portions of the front cover 102, the back cover118, the case 104, and the areas joining these components) can beconfigured to resist liquid splashes and cleaning materials, allowingthe jacket 100 to be regularly cleaned as per usual healthcareprocedures for infection control. In other embodiments, the front andback covers 102, 118 can be covered or coated with a drop-resistant (forexample, compressible) and liquid-proof or liquid resistant material,without the addition of a flexible case, and can be provided with aninterengaging structure configured to create a seal to prevent theingress of water and cleaning fluids. In this way, the front and backcovers 102, 118 can provide another seal to protect internal componentshoused within the jacket 100.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a jacket 200 according to anotherembodiment. The jacket 200 includes a front cover 202 and a back cover203. The jacket 200 includes a receiving area 206 configured to receivea handheld device, such as an iPod Touch®. The front cover 202 includesa transparent screen 208 which is configured to align with a display onthe handheld device. The transparent screen 208 can also be configuredto allow a user to interact with a touchscreen or other input mechanismon the handheld device. Either or both of the front cover 202 and backcover 203 can include a scan button 210 which is configured to activatea scan engine disposed inside the jacket 200. The front cover 202(and/or the back cover 203) can also include windows 211, 212 configuredto align with and allow operation of a light sensor and camera,respectively, on the handheld device.

FIG. 2B shows a plan view of the front side of the jacket 200. As shownin FIG. 2B, the front cover 202 (and/or the back cover 203) can includeone or more pass-through buttons, such as pass-through buttons 213, 214,215, and 216, which are configured to align with input buttons on thedevice and allow a user to access the input buttons on the devicethrough the jacket 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the buttons 213,214 are configured to align with volume control buttons on the handhelddevice and the button 215 is configured to align with a power button onthe handheld device. The button 216 is configured to align with a menubutton on the handheld device. The jacket 200 can also include anearpiece 217.

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the jacket 200, and FIG. 2Dshows a right side view of the jacket 200. FIG. 2D illustrates a scanwindow 220 protruding from the back cover 203 at an angle with respectto the plane of the jacket 200. The scan window 220 can be aligned with,or form part of, a scan engine or scanner disposed inside the jacket100. The scan engine can be a modular barcode scan engine such as aminiaturized, high performance 650 nm laser-based, single-line decodedscan engine from Symbol Technologies (model no. SE-923). The scan enginecan be modular and self-contained, and can include a microcontrollerconfigured to decode a barcode into a format compatible with andreadable by the handheld device (or an application on the handhelddevice). FIG. 12E shows a plan view of the back side of the jacket 200,including the scan window 220. FIGS. 12F and 12G show top and bottom endviews, respectively, of the jacket 200. FIG. 12G illustrates a chargingslot 222 which can be used to provide electrical access to a handhelddevice disposed within the jacket 200.

FIG. 3A is a drawing showing the front of a jacket 300 according toanother embodiment. FIG. 3B is a drawing showing the left side of thejacket 300. FIG. 3C is a drawing showing the right side of the jacket300. FIG. 3D is a drawing showing the top end of the jacket 300. FIG. 3Eis a drawing showing the bottom end of the jacket 300. FIG. 3F is adrawing showing the back side of the jacket 300, including screw holes301, 303. FIG. 3G is a drawing showing the jacket 300 in an openposition, with a connector assembly 305 exposed, ready to receive ahandheld device. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing plugs 302, 304 that can beused to seal screw holes or openings 301, 303, respectively, in thejacket 300.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are drawings illustrating steps in the installation of ahandheld electronic device 310 in the jacket 300. For example, with thejacket 300 in an open position (FIG. 5A), the handheld device 301 can beplaced into the jacket 300 at a slight upward-facing angle. Theconnector assembly 305 is braced at the bottom (as indicated in FIG. 5B)and the device 310 is slid down fully to make a solid connection withthe connector assembly 305. The front cover is then placed over thehandheld device 310, in alignment with the back cover. After fastenersare installed in the corner screw holes 301 and the side screw holes303, the plugs 302, 304 can be inserted into the corner screw holes 301and the side screw holes 303, respectively, to seal the holes 301, 303.

As with the embodiments of jackets described above, the jacket 300 caninclude sealing or engaging structure to seal internal components,including the handheld device 301 and other electronic components,within the jacket 300. The jacket 300 can further include one or morebatteries, an optical scanner, and/or a scanner engine. In this way, thejacket 300 and handheld device 301 can form a handheld terminal orcomputing device that may be used comfortably by a healthcareprofessional over the course of a work shift to perform one or moretasks. For example, a handheld terminal including the jacket 300 andhandheld device 301 can be used to scan codes in a hospital environmentwithout requiring power charges and with minimal risk of damage to theterminal from exposure to solid particles and/or liquids. Further, thejacket 300 can include one or more materials that can be repeatedlycleaned or disinfected using liquid agents without degrading over time.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a jacket 600 according to anotherembodiment. As with the jackets described above, the jacket 600 can beused to form a handheld terminal or computing device along with ahandheld device (not shown). For example, the jacket 600 can beconfigured to at least partially house and/or encase a handheld device,for example, an iPod Touch®, such that the handheld device can beutilized to perform one or more tasks, such as tasks performed in ahealthcare environment.

In some embodiments, the jacket 600 is designed to fit ergonomicallyand/or comfortably in a single hand of a user. As shown, to facilitatean ergonomic and/or comfortable grip, the jacket 600 can include roundedouter contours, edges, and/or surfaces such that a user's hand is notexposed to features. Further, the jacket 600 can be formed of aresilient material, for example, a polycarbonate material. In additionto providing the function of an ergonomic and/or comfortable grip, thejacket 600 can be configured to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, insome embodiments.

Still referring to FIG. 6A, the jacket 600 can include an upper or frontcover 602 and a lower or back cover 618. The front and back covers 602,618 can form the outer surfaces of the jacket 600 that may be contactedby a user. Further, the jacket 600 includes a receiving area 606configured to receive a handheld device, such as an iPod Touch®.

A receiving area 606 can be disposed between the front and back covers602, 618 and can be accessible through an opening 611 formed in thefront cover 602. In some embodiments, the opening 611 can be sized andshaped so as to align with at least a portion of a screen, displaysurface, and/or input surface of a handheld device. In this way, ascreen of a handheld device received within the receiving area 606 maybe directly contacted via the opening 611. As a result, the sensitivityof pressure-based, capacitance-based, and/or optical-based touch inputsystems can be preserved via direct user contact through the opening 611when a handheld device is disposed within the receiving area 606 betweenthe front and back covers 602, 618.

As shown, the front cover 602 can include an outer portion 603 whichmeets an inner portion 607 at a leading edge 605. The outer and innerportions 603, 607 can be sloped such that the leading edge 605 is offsetor disposed above the plane of the opening 611. In this way, the exposedscreen of a handheld device disposed within the receiving area 606 canbe offset or set back from the leading edge 605. Accordingly, theleading edge 605 may protect the screen from damage when the front cover602 of the jacket 600 comes into contact with another object, forexample, when accidentally dropped, by forming a leading point ofcontact with the other object. Further, the back cover 618 can includeone or more resilient protrusions 691 extending outwardly from thecenter of the jacket 600. Such protrusions 691 can be sized and/orshaped to at least partially absorb impactful forces that the jacket 600may be exposed to. For example, the protrusions 691 can be sized and/orshaped to absorb impact forces when one or more of the protrusionscontact a ground surface during a fall. Additionally, the protrusions691 can increase frictional forces between the jacket 600 and anotherobject, for example, a clip board, desk, or counter, to inhibitunintended movement of the jacket 600 due to incidental forces.

The front cover 602 and the back cover 618 can include one or morepass-through buttons, such as pass-through buttons 610 and 612,configured to align with input buttons on the device and allow a user toaccess the input buttons on the device through the jacket 600. In theillustrated embodiment, the buttons 610 are configured to align withvolume control buttons on the handheld device and the button 612 isconfigured to align with a menu button on the handheld device. Thejacket 600 can also include a speaker 614 which can be connected with anaudio out terminal of a handheld device, for example. In someembodiments, the front cover 602 can include a transparent window 609 toallow for a forward facing camera of handheld device to be opticallyexposed through the transparent window when the handheld device isdisposed within the receiving area 606 of the jacket 600.

FIG. 6B shows a plan view of the front side of the jacket 600, includingthe front cover 602, the opening 611, and the receiving area 606. Asshown, a battery 632 can be disposed within the jacket 600. In someembodiments, the battery 632 can provide a supporting surface to supporta received handheld device above other components of the jacket 600within the receiving area 606.

FIG. 6C shows a plan view of the back side of the jacket 600, includingthe back cover 618. In some embodiments, the back cover 618 can includea contact portion 619. The contact portion 619 can be sized and shapedto contact the inner portion of a user's hand that holds the back cover618 of the jacket 600. In some embodiments, the contact portion 619includes a scan button 622 disposed on a side of the jacket 600. In thisway, in use, the inside of a user's hand can be disposed in contact withthe contact portion 619 and the user's thumb may comfortably contact thescan button 622. In some embodiments, the contact portion 619 comprisesa different material than other portions of the back cover 618. Forexample, the contact portion 619 can comprise a softer or less rigidstructure that is comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.Further, the contact portion 619 can include an at least partiallyabsorbent material to absorb oils and/or sweat from a user's hand.

Still referring to FIG. 6C, the back cover 618 of the jacket 600 caninclude a transparent scanning window 620, which can be aligned with ascan engine or scanner disposed within the jacket 600. The scan enginecan be a modular barcode scan engine such as a miniaturized, highperformance barcode scanning imager from Intermec (for example, modelEA15). The scan engine can be modular and self-contained, and caninclude a microcontroller configured to decode a barcode into a formatcompatible with and readable by the handheld device (or an applicationon the handheld device). In some embodiments, the scan engine is notconfigured to decode a barcode, and the terminal further comprisesadditional decoding or conversion circuitry configured to convertbarcode data into an acceptable format for processing at the slavemicrocontroller.

In some embodiments, the back cover 618 of the jacket 600 can optionallyinclude another transparent window 693. The transparent window 693 canbe aligned with a camera of a handheld device received within the jacket600. Thus, the jacket 600 can form a handheld terminal including ahandheld device which allows for scanning objects through the scanningwindow 620 and/or capturing images through the transparent window 693via the handheld device. In some embodiments, the jacket 600 can includeone or more lenses aligned with the transparent window 693 to alter theoptical properties through the window 693. The back cover 618 also mayinclude an opening 626, which will be described below with reference toFIG. 6G.

FIGS. 6D and 6E show left and right side views, respectively, of thejacket 600. As shown in FIG. 6E, the scan button 622 can be disposed onthe right side of the jacket 600. The scan button 622 can be configuredto activate the scan engine disposed inside the jacket 600. As discussedabove, in some embodiments, the scan button 622 can be sized and shapedso that a user may hold the jacket 600 in one hand and manipulate thescan button with a thumb. In this way, the scan button 622 can becomfortably depressed or contacted by a user while viewing the screen ofa handheld device through the opening 611 of the jacket 600. AlthoughFIG. 6E illustrates the scan button 622 on the right side of the jacket600, those having at least ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the scan button 622 can be disposed on the left side of the jacket600 so as to accommodate left handed user's, in some embodiments.

FIGS. 6F and 6G show top and bottom end views, respectively, of thejacket 600. As shown in FIG. 6F, the jacket 600 includes a pass-throughbutton 624 which can be configured to align with an input button on thedevice and allow a user to access the input button on the device throughthe jacket 600. For example, the button 624 can be configured to alignwith a power button and/or hard reset on the handheld device. As shownin FIG. 6G, the jacket 600 can include one or more openings, such asopening 626, configured to align with a connector of a connectorassembly disposed within the jacket 600.

FIG. 6H shows a cross-section of the jacket 600 taken along line A-A ofFIG. 6B, and illustrates certain portions of the jacket 600 in furtherdetail. For example, FIG. 6H shows a shield 628 which can be disposedunderneath the battery 632 to shield underlying electrical components,for example, a scanner board and/or main circuit board. The battery 632can include a lithium polymer battery configured to supply power to ascan engine 636. As mentioned above, in some embodiments the battery 632can supply power to a handheld device as well. In this way, the battery632 can power the components of the jacket 600 and/or the handhelddevice for an extended period of time, for example, 12 hours or more.

Still referring to FIG. 6H, the front cover 602 and battery 632 can formthe receiving area 606 for the handheld device. Together with the backcover 618, the shield 628 defines a receiving area 630 for othercomponents including a scanner board and/or main circuit board. In someapplications, the jacket 600 (or a component thereof) can includefirmware stored on memory of a main circuit board that communicates withthe battery 632 and controls basic operations of the jacket 600.

In some embodiments, the scan engine 636 can include a scan window 638,which may be disposed so as to face in a generally normal direction withrespect to the general plane of the jacket 600 (for example, the generalplane of the opening 611 defined by the front cover 602). As shown, thescan window 638 can be at least partially aligned with the transparentscanning window 620 such that an optical path may be created between anobject to be scanned and the scan engine 636 through the transparentscanning window 620 and the scan window 638. By such a configuration, auser may view the screen of the device while scanning an object, byholding the jacket 600 over the object and orienting the transparentscanning window 620 relative to the object to be scanned. In someembodiments, the scan window 638 may include one or more lenses, toalter the optical properties through the scan window 638.

In some embodiments, the scan window 638 can be configured to face at aslight angle from the normal direction (for example, an angle of about5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 9°, 10°, 10.5°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, or 15° from thenormal direction, or an angle greater than, less than, or between any ofthese two listed angles; or an angle of about 70°, 71°, 72°, 73°, 74°,75°, 76°, 77°, 78°, 79°, 79.5°, 80°, 80.5°, 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°,86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, or 90° from a plane of the jacket 600, or an anglegreater than, less than, or between any of these two listed angles). Bysuch a configuration, a user may be able to see the object being scanned(such as, for example, an object being held in the user's other hand)just beyond the top of the device while the user is also viewing thedevice display. In this position, a user can also manipulate the scanbutton 622 with ease using a thumb. Thus, the user does not have totorque or twist the wrist to move between a position where an object isviewable but not scannable to another position where the object isscannable but not viewable.

In other embodiments, the scan window 638 can be disposed so as to facea direction generally parallel to the plane of the jacket 600 (forexample, straight ahead from the top end of the device), or at an angleto the top end of the device. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 6H, the scan window 638 can be recessed within the jacket 600,while in other embodiments, the scan window can protrude from a surfaceof the jacket. In some embodiments, the scan engine 636 (and/or the scanwindow 638) can be movable (for example, rotatable) so as to allow auser to select or alter the angle and/or orientation of the scan window638. FIG. 6H also includes a connector assembly 616, which will bedescribed below with regard to FIG. 6I.

FIG. 6I shows a cross-section of the jacket 600 taken along line B-B ofFIG. 6B, and further illustrates the receiving area 606, and a connectorassembly 616. Inside the jacket 600, the connector assembly 616 isprovided which is configured to connect to an accessory port on thehandheld device. In some embodiments, the connector assembly 616 caninclude a 30 pin connector 615 suitable for use with an iPod Touch®and/or iPhone®. The connector assembly 616 may be accessible through theopening 626 shown in FIG. 6G such that a handheld device disposed withinthe receiving area 606 may be connected to via the opening 626, theconnector assembly 616 and the connector 615. In some embodiments, theconnector assembly 616 can include a female usb port configured toconvert a usb connection to a 30 pin connector through the connectorassembly 616. In this way, a user may connect to the handheld devicewith a connection structure that is different than a pin configurationof the connection port of the handheld device. In some embodiments, whena handheld device is placed within the receiving area 606 and theconnector assembly 616 is connected to a charging connector (or otheraccessory port) on the handheld device, the scan engine 636 cancommunicate with the handheld device or with an application on thehandheld device, such as an inventory or patient-safety application orother process control application on the handheld device. In this way,firmware or applications of the jacket 600 may communicate with dataand/or applications stored on the handheld device.

FIG. 6J shows an exploded view of the jacket 600 and its variouscomponents, including the front cover 602, the back cover 618, thebattery 632, the shield 628, the scan engine 636, and the scanningwindow 620. As can be seen in FIG. 6J, the jacket 600 can a scanningengine bracket 645 and an optional speaker 644 disposed on the scanningengine bracket 645. The jacket 600 can also include one or moremicrophones such that the jacket 600 can be configured to allow use of anon-cellular handheld device as a VoIP handset in a healthcare setting.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the jacket 600 can include ascanner board 677 and a main circuit board 671. The main circuit board671 can include a battery connector 673, a scanning engine connector675, a scanner board connection 676, and a scan button connection 674.The main circuit board 671 may also be connected with an input port 617and/or connector 615 of the connector assembly 616 via a cable 613extending between the connector assembly 616 and the main circuit board.In some embodiments, the scanner board 677 can be connected to thescanning engine 636 via a flexible cable 679 routed therebetween. Thejacket 600 can also include a vibrating element 682 disposed in thebottom cover 618 and electrically connected to the main circuit board671. In this way, the main circuit board 671 can centralize the inputsand outputs of various electronic structures which may be housed withinthe jacket 600. In some embodiments, the jacket 600 can also include abracket structure 651 configured to position internal components of thejacket 600 (for example, the battery 632 or shield 628) relative to thefront cover 602 and back cover 618.

Still referring to FIG. 6J, in some embodiments the front cover 602 caninclude one or more compressible gaskets disposed on an underside of thefront cover around the opening 611. In this way, the front cover 602 andthe one or more gaskets can circumferentially engage or contact at leasta portion of an outer surface handheld device (for example, an uppersurface or screen) disposed within the jacket 600. As a result, thecontact or engagement between the front cover 602 and the handhelddevice can be configured to provide a seal or boundary for the portionof the receiving area 606 disposed below the outer surface of thehandheld device that is exposed through the opening 611. Thus, thereceiving area 606 can be sealed or otherwise protected from liquids(water, blood, bodily fluids, medications, cleaning agents, etc.) and/orsolid particles (medical powders, dust, dirt, debris, etc.) that thejacket 600 may be exposed to during use.

As discussed above, even though the portion of the receiving area 606disposed below the outer surface of the handheld device may be sealed bythe front cover 602 and outer surface of the handheld device, the outersurface of the handheld device may be directly contacted through theopening 611. In other words, the jacket 600 does not require a screen tobe disposed over the handheld device to seal internal electricalcomponents of a handheld terminal formed by the jacket 600 and thehandheld device. In some instances, forming a seal between the jacket600 and handheld device while allowing an input surface of the handhelddevice to be directly contactable can improve input sensitivity of thehandheld device as compared with embodiments that utilize a separatescreen over the handheld device. In some embodiments, the one or morecompressible gaskets may be sized and/or shaped to absorb impactfulforces on the jacket 600 to limit the transfer of these forces to thehandheld device.

In some embodiments, the seal for the portion of the receiving area 606disposed below the outer surface of the handheld device can beconfigured to meet an ingress protection rating or internationalprotection rating required or preferred for a particular use. Forexample, the jacket 600 can be configured to provide an “IP54”protection rating for the internal electrical components (includinginternal components of the handheld device). Of course, the jacket 600can be configured to provide more, or less, protection against theintrusion of solid particles and liquids. In some embodiments, the frontand back covers 602, 618 can be covered or coated with a drop-resistant(for example, compressible) and liquid-proof or liquid resistantmaterial, and can be provided with an interengaging structure configuredto create a seal to prevent the ingress of water and cleaning fluids. Inthis way, the front and back covers 602, 618 can provide another seal toprotect internal components housed within the jacket 600.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention.It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed theforegoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways.For example, although described herein within the context of a jacketdesigned for use with a non-cellular handheld device, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that these techniques and systemsmay be extended beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to otherembodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof, including, for example, use with cellular and other types ofhandheld devices. It will also be appreciated that the above-describedsystem can be implemented in additional environments and is not limitedto the healthcare setting. For example, the system may be implemented inmany other industries and environments that involve inventoryidentification and/or tracking, especially where a mobile inventoryidentification and/or tracking system may be desirable. Additionally, itis contemplated that various aspects and features of the inventiondescribed can be practiced separately, combined together, or substitutedfor one another, and that a variety of combination and subcombinationsof the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scopeof the invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the systemsdisclosed herein should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described above.

Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the present disclosure. The drawings and the detailed description ofcertain inventive embodiments given so far are only illustrative, andthey are only used to describe certain inventive embodiments, and shouldnot be considered to limit the meaning or restrict the range of thepresent disclosure described in the claims. Indeed, it will also beappreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in oneembodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more partsfrom a depicted embodiment can be included with other depictedembodiments in any combination. For example, any of the variouscomponents described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may becombined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particularterminology when describing certain features or aspects of the inventionshould not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-definedherein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of thefeatures or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/orsingular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate fromthe plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity. Therefore, it will be appreciated to those skilled in theart that various modifications may be made and other equivalentembodiments are available. The scope of the invention should thereforebe construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a jacket including: afirst portion defining a scan window, and a second portion opposite thefirst portion defining a viewing window, the viewing window defining aplane, the jacket defining a plurality of receiving areas; and a scanengine disposed in a first receiving area from the plurality ofreceiving areas and aligned with the scan window to define an opticalpath, the scan engine configured to decode a barcode in the optical pathinto a format compatible with a handheld device, the scan engine movableto define an angle of the optical path with respect to the plane, asecond receiving area from the plurality of receiving areas configuredto receive the handheld device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theangle is between 70 degrees and 90 degrees.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a speaker configured to communicate with the handhelddevice when the handheld device is received in the second receivingarea.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a microphoneconfigured to communicate with the handheld device when the handhelddevice is received in the second receiving area.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a vibrating element configured tocommunicate with the handheld device when the handheld device isreceived in the second receiving area.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a pass-through button configured to align with aninput button of the handheld device when the handheld device is receivedin the second receiving area.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesecond portion further defines a transparent window configured to alignwith a camera of the handheld device when the handheld device isreceived in the second receiving area.
 8. An apparatus, comprising: ajacket including: a first portion defining a scan window, and a secondportion defining a viewing window, the viewing window defining a plane;the jacket defining a plurality of receiving areas; and a scan enginedisposed in a first receiving area from the plurality of receiving areasand aligned with the scan window to define an optical path, the scanengine configured to decode a barcode into a format compatible with ahandheld device, the optical path disposed at an angle with respect to adirection that is normal to the plane, a second receiving area from theplurality of receiving areas configured to receive the handheld device.9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the angle is between 5 degrees and15 degrees.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising amicrophone configured to communicate with the handheld device when thehandheld device is received in the second receiving area.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 8, further comprising a vibrating element configuredto communicate with the handheld device when the handheld device isreceived in the second receiving area.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the second portion further defines a transparent windowconfigured to align with a camera of the handheld device when thehandheld device is received in the second receiving area.
 13. Anapparatus, comprising: a jacket including: a first portion defining ascan window, and a second portion opposite the first portion defining aviewing window, the viewing window defining a plane, the jacket defininga plurality of receiving areas; a scan engine disposed in a firstreceiving area from the plurality of receiving areas and aligned withthe scan window to define an optical path, the scan engine notconfigured to decode a barcode, the scan engine movable to define anangle of the optical path with respect to the plane; and conversioncircuitry disposed in a second receiving area from the plurality ofreceiving areas, the conversion circuitry configured to receive a signalassociated with the barcode, and convert the signal associated with thebarcode into a format for processing at a microcontroller such that themicrocontroller decodes the barcode into a format that is readable by ahandheld device, a third receiving area from the plurality of receivingareas configured to receive the handheld device.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the angle is between 70 degrees and 90 degrees. 15.The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a microphone configured tocommunicate with the handheld device when the handheld device isreceived in the second receiving area.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13,further comprising a vibrating element configured to communicate withthe handheld device when the handheld device is received in the secondreceiving area.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the secondportion further defines a transparent window configured to align with acamera of the handheld device when the handheld device is received inthe second receiving area.